Category: schools

Sebastopol school board approves wireless computers for kids

The Sebastopol Unified School District (SUSD) unanimously approved funding for wireless computers in two elementary schools (K-5) and (K-8).

talk to the hand The Superintendent declared wireless was safe,  despite health warnings from science and medical experts, which were reviewed, but ultimately ignored. One board member expressed concern about increasing screen time for kids, and another about the placement of routers, but no precautions were included in the decision.

The request for a hard wired computer lab, which would be safer, faster, more secure and  more reliable was countered with a letter signed by a couple dozen parents who urged the board to “invest the funds in computer infrastructure that is portable, wireless and cost effective.” Reasons included fears of declining enrollment and children’s inadequate preparation for today’s technological  society.  The  letter states,”Key to their [children’s] professional success, social integration and economic sustainability, and therefore their health will be their ability to navigate the world of technology…”

The push for computers in the classroom is part of Common Core State Standards, the new federal curriculum which has been sharply criticized as eliminating community-based planning, and instead of fostering education for individual need and the common good, it puts children on a treadmill to become scared, obedient workers for the global economy. 

wireless cartSebastopol’s initial plan is to purchase 60 wireless computers, 30 for each school and store them on a cart which teachers can bring into the classroom.  While this plan is considerably modest compared to what other schools have deployed, (the Los Angeles School District is giving every student an iPad) it’s unknown if or when a 1:1 computer for every child will happen in Sebastopol.

It is also unknown how many, or where, additional routers will be installed.  The routers will increase the radiation exposure for children, teachers, and staff, even when the cart is not in use.

GofundmeChildren who have medical conditions (headaches, heart palpitations, medical implants, seizures, EMF sensitivity) are at risk in a wireless environment.  The public school may become inaccessible for them, or they may be isolated from peers when the computers are being used.  In Canada a lawsuit has already been filed against wi-fi in school.

A common misconception, which is used to downplay the health risks, is to promote the idea that wi-fi is already everywhere.  That’s similar to thinking engine exhaust is already everywhere, so reducing car trips by walking and biking to school is unnecessary.  It does not justify increasing wi-fi, and misses an important point.  Being closer to the source of pollution matters greatly.  Imagine breathing the fumes behind a bus, compared to knowing there are exhaust particulates in the air.  Ambient wi-fi signals are not the same as being in a room with 30 wi-fi computers, or being near routers which are always on.

checkmarkThe Alliance for Childhood wrote, “Fool’s Gold:  A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood”. They caution, ” Those who place their faith in technology to solve the problems of education should look more deeply into the needs of children.  The renewal of education requires personal attention to students from good teachers and active parents, strongly supported by their communities.  It requires commitment to developmentally appropriate education and attention to the full range of children’s real low-tech needs- physical, emotional, and social, as well as cognitive.”

Parents everywhere beware!  Common Core is bringing computer testing into the schools and giving the government a whole new tool to track and profile children.

Doctors weigh in on dangers of Wi-Fi

This is one of the best TV news coverage on wireless risks for children. I apologize for the ad, but the video is worth waiting for. The commentary by the newscasters is great. Watch till the end, and hopefully the video won’t be changed or removed. Already the script has a disclaimer by the school system. This video from FOX5 Vegas KVVU is no longer available.

Letter to SUSD

Schools in California and beyond are transitioning away from books to computer based learning. In many cases they’re using wireless computers (iPads) to teach at least two subjects, math and language arts. This is part of a new federal curriculum called Common Core.

In my comments to the Sebastopol Union School District I advocate for an alternative technology plan creating a hardwired computer lab for testing and test preparation.  Click here to view the original Letter to SUSD

In Sebastopol the school district is presenting their technology plan on Wednesday September 18 at 4:30 at  7611 Huntley Ave.

9/16/2013
To: Members of the School Board, staff, and teachers
Sebastopol Union School District
7611 Huntley Ave. Sebastopol CA. 95472

Re: Comments on Common Core Technology Plan

The Sebastopol Union School District (SUSD) board is considering adopting a technology plan that converts students from book based learning to computer based learning and testing. This will be presented on September 18 at the board meeting as agenda item 9.1,1, and possibly be adopted at the next board meeting in October. As a parent of a sixth grader at Brookhaven, and director of the EMF Safety Network, I ask SUSD to apply the precautionary principle and adopt an alternative plan that reduces and limits children’s screen time and wireless exposure.

An alternative plan is to create a hardwired computer lab, for testing and test preparation, instead of using computers in classrooms for lessons and testing. This request is based on health advocacy warnings and recommendations from the World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics, Kaiser Permanente, American Academy of Environmental Medicine and other medical and science experts.

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey in 2010, children between the ages of 8-18 spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes on technology every day.2

  • How many more hours of screen time will children have if schools convert to computer based learning?
  • Will children also be expected to do their homework on computers?
  • Will the new technology and supporting infrastructure be wired or wireless?
  • Are parents adequately informed and included in the decision making process on whether or not to increase their children’s computer use?

Apply the Precautionary Principle to Ensure Safer Learning in Schools

The Precautionary Principle is based on ‘do no harm’ and ‘better safe than sorry’ philosophy. “When an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. 3

Kaiser Permanente recommends limiting screen time to less than 2 hours a day for teens, less than 1 hour a day for children ages 3 through 12, and no screen time for children under 3. 4 Kaiser explains: “Alot of kids spend more time in front of a screen than they do reading, talking with family and friends, or playing outside. It’s also affecting their health. Too much screen time is associated with: violent behavior, poor school performance, lower reading scores, sleep pattern disturbances, being overweight, consumption of junk food and bad habits later in life (like tobacco and alcohol abuse).”

The American Academy of Pediatrics states,“…studies consistently show that older children and adolescents utilize media at incredibly high rates, which potentially contributes to obesity and other health and developmental risks.”The Academy supports limiting screen time and media use for children and adolescents. 5

Wireless is a Health Risk and a Possible Carcinogen

In May 2011,the World Health Organization classified wireless radiation a possible carcinogen6. This classification is based on studies linking cell phone radiation to brain cancer, but it also applies to all wireless devices, including wi-fi routers and computers.

The American Academy of Environment Medicine (AAEM) in a letter7 to Los Angeles Unified School district (LAUSD) discusses why precaution for wireless is warranted and strongly recommends hardwiring computers in schools. AAEM writes, “There is consistent emerging science that shows people, especially children are affected by the increasing exposure to wireless radiation….Adverse health effects from wireless radio frequency fields, such as learning disabilities, altered immune responses, and headaches, clearly exist and are well documented in the scientific literature”.The AAEM states 3% of children and staff will be immediately affected 30% will have time-delayed reactions.

Apple provides warnings about health risks of iPads8 including headaches, blackouts, seizures, convulsion, eye or muscle twitching, loss of awareness, involuntary movement, or disorientation. There are consumer complaints about iPad health symptoms on the Apple support Forum.9“Is it just me or someone else also feels dizzy or nausea after using iPad for a while? 

“YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! I’ve been getting it too…”

” I have the same problem you have… I looove the ipad but I don’t think I can keep it as I get nausea and feel a bit dizzy just using it for a few minutes.”

“… just today finished series of tests…echocardiogram, brainscan, ultrasound on carotid artery,..the works…to diagnose dizziness, and even one fainting episode..since Xmas. Guess what I got for Christmas…iPad…”

Federal Safety Guidelines Don’t Protect Children

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wireless guidelines are for short term (30 minutes) thermal exposures only. There are no safety guidelines specific to children. The FCC is currently reviewing their guidelines, based on a US Government Accountability Office request.10

Dr. Martha Herbert, a Harvard pediatric neurologist and neuroscientist writes,“Children are more vulnerable than adults, and children with chronic illnesses and/or neurodevelopmental disabilities are even more vulnerable… Current technologies were designed and promulgated without taking account of biological impacts other than thermal impacts. We now know that there are a large array of impacts that have nothing to do with the heating of tissue. The claim from wifi proponents that the only concern is thermal impacts is now definitively outdated scientifically.” 11

Dr. Ted Litovitz, physicist, stated many studies are showing biological effects below the FCC thermal limit, including psychological changes, stress response, DNA damage, and affects on the immune system, heart, and blood brain barrier. According to Dr. Litovitz biological effects are seen at 75,000 times below the FCC guideline!12

Create a Hardwired Computer Lab and Limit Screen Time

Faced with new testing standards and a new common core curriculum the schools are caught between new government mandates and health authorities safety recommendations. SUSD should not mandate computer based learning and computers in the classrooms. Instead, use the funding to create a hard wired computer lab, and limit children’s use to testing, and test preparation. Provide waivers for those parents, or students opposed, or medically unable to test on computers.

Some students will not feel well in a computer based environment and this will affect their ability to concentrate and learn. In Canada one family has sued the school district because the wi-fi in school makes both their children sick. With public schools throughout California and beyond transitioning to wireless computer based learning, this problem will only increase. What will SUSD do to keep more vulnerable children safe?

Furthermore, while you have the funding to upgrade technology, its a great opportunity to ensure all internet connections, including teachers and staff computers are hard wired for the safety of students, teachers and staff. Please keep the phone lines within the school wired and corded too!

Please feel free to contact me with your comments and or questions. I regret I will not be able to present this information in person on Wednesday.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sandi Maurer
EMF Safety Network
PO BOX 1016
Sebastopol, CA 95473 

“I have no doubt in my mind that at the present time, the greatest polluting element in the earth’s environment is the proliferation of electromagnetic fields. I consider that to be far greater on a global scale than warming, and the increase in chemical elements in the environment.’’- Dr Robert O. Becker, Author of Cross Currents and The Body Electric

Footnotes

1 http://webschoolpro.com/home/CA49709386052211/Agenda%20September%202013/CCSS%20Expenditure%20Plan%2013-14-1.pdf

2Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Oldshttp://kff.org/other/event/generation-m2-media-in-the-lives-of/

3 Science and Environmental Health Network FAQ http://www.sehn.org/ppfaqs.html

4 Kaiser Permanente: “Limit Screen Time for healthier Kids”

5 AAP letter to the Federal Communications Commission dated July 12, 2012 http://www.scribd.com/doc/104230961/American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-letter-to-the-FCC

6Wireless devices-potential cancer risk says World Health Organization http://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=4386

7 AAEM letter to LAUSD: http://aaemonline.org/images/LettertoLAUSD.pdf

12http://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=11094

Additional Resources

The BioInitiative 2012 Report is an analysis by 29 independent scientists and health experts from around the world about possible risks from wireless technologies and electromagnetic fields. http://www.bioinitiative.org

Wi-fi in schools video: A ten minute introduction to wireless precaution in schools (Australia) http://youtu.be/GJPTzaNkcUk

Professor Olle Johansson Warns of Wireless DNA Damage to children / two minute video http://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=9990

Is Wi-fi Safe? http://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=10576 video

Excerpts from eight expert letters submitted to the LAUSD, by Joel Moskovitz, PhD, Director, Center for Family and Community Health,
School of Public Health, UC Berkeley: http://www.saferemr.com/2013_03_01_archive.html

‘Safe Schools 2012′. Medical and Scientific Experts Call for Safe Technologies in Schools. http://wifiinschools.org.uk/resources/safeschools2012.pdf

Scientific Panel on Electromagnetic Field Health Risks: The Selentun Statement

http://www.sagereports.com/smart-meter-rf/docs/Fragopoulou_et_al_2010b.pdf

EMF World Concerns Summary: A compilation of what government, public health and environment organizations and officials, independent scientists, health advocacy groups and activists are advocating around the world in response to the proliferation of EMF, and especially wireless radiation. http://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=116

Wi-fi in Schools, a consumer advocacy website focused on wi-fi in schools: http://wifiinschools.com/

 

Reduce radiation risk from wi-fi, cell phones, and ipads

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) published  a Fact Sheet on how to reduce exposure to wireless radiation devices.

This video by Wifi in Schools Australia reviews ARPANSA’s advice, explains SAR values, tests iPads vs. iPhones, and tells how to reduce exposure from mobile and other wireless devices.

Is Wi-Fi safe?

This is an excellent introduction to wi-fi radiation in schools, the science, government response, and how the radiation compares to ambient background and cell tower levels.

“Convenience is not an acceptable reason to risk the health and safety of children.” Learn more about wi-fi in schools: WiFi in Schools.com Learn more about the science:  BioInitiative.org

Medical and Scientific Experts Call for Safe Technologies in Schools

A UK advocacy group, Wifiinschools.org.uk has recently published ‘Safe Schools 2012’. Medical and Scientific Experts Call for Safe Technologies in Schools.

Introduction:

“More Medical Associations, medical doctors and scientists, many of whom work on the biological effects of wireless technologies, have expressed their concerns about the safety of wireless devices for schools. They are asking for wired information and communication technologies to be used in order to safeguard children and young people, protect and promote healthy development and maximise learning and achievement.

These experts do not agree with the health protection agencies which currently support or allow the use of microwave, radiofrequency-emitting technologies by children and young people in schools.

Other authorities have also called for the protection of children from wireless technologies.

  • Council of Europe: Mobile phone use by pupils in schools to be strictly regulated and wired internet connections to be preferred (Resolution 1815, 2011).
  • World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiofrequency radiation as a possible human carcinogen, class 2B (2011).
  • UK Trades Union Congress (TUC): Caution should be taken to prevent exposure to Class 2B carcinogens in the workplace.
  • European Environment Agency: All reasonable measures to be taken to reduce exposures to electromagnetic fields, especially radiofrequencies from mobile phones and particularly the exposures to children and young adults. Current exposure limits to be reconsidered.
  • International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety (ICEMS): Strongly advise limited use of cell phones, and other similar devices, by young children and teenagers.
  • Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection have recommended the use of wired networks in schools and educational institutions, rather than wireless broadband systems, including Wi-Fi8 . “It is our professional obligation not to damage the children’s health by inactivity.”
  • German Government and Israeli Parliament recommended wired computer networks for schools or workplaces.
  • Several countries have advised children and young people to limit their use of mobile/smart/cell phones.

This document serves to inform schools, Governing Bodies, Academy Trusts, School Boards, Education Authorities, teachers and parents of the professional, medical and scientific concerns about children using wireless technologies in schools. The information can be used to implement safe school policies, practices and guidance in order to safeguard the health and development of children and young people and to aid cognitive abilities, learning and achievement.”

EMF and RF World Concerns Summary

The following is a compilation of what government, public health and environment organizations and officials, independent scientists, health advocacy groups and activists are advocating around the world in response to the proliferation of electromagnetic fields, and especially 2.4 GHZ microwave radiation.

International Resolutions Advocating a Precautionary Approach to the Use and Expansion of Wireless Technologies:

Vienna resolution 1998 http://www.icems.eu/docs/resolutions/Vienna_Resolution_1998.pdf

Salzburg Austria Resolution 2000:http://www.salzburg.gv.at/salzburg_resolution_e.pdf

Catania Italy 2002 http://www.emrpolicy.org/faq/catania.pdf

Benevento Italy Resolution 2006 http://www.icems.eu/benevento_resolution.htm

London Resolution 2007: http://www.icems.eu/docs/resolutions/London_res.pdf

Venice Italy Resolution 2008 http://www.icems.eu/resolution.htm

Porto Alegre Resolution 2009: http://www.icems.eu/docs/resolutions/Porto_Alegre_Resolution.pdf

Wingspread Conference on the Precautionary principle: http://www.sehn.org/wing.html

Wi-Fi

European Environmental Agency advises the precautionary principle for wi-fi: http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/radiation-risk-from-everyday-devices-assessed

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/eu-watchdog-calls-for-urgent-action-on-wifi-radiation-402539.html

German Government advises against wi-fi: http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/germany-warns-citizens-to-avoid-using-wifi-401845.html

http://www.icems.eu/docs/deutscher_bundestag.pdf

France National Library and several other Paris libraries are wi-fi-free http://www.next-up.org/pdf/FranceNationalLibraryGivesUpWiFi07042008.pdf

http://lavieverte.wordpress.com/2008/05/23/public-libraries-in-paris-shut-down-wifi-in-response-to-health-worries/

(USA) Progressive Librarians Guild recommends the precautionary principle for wireless exposures in libraries. June 2008. http://progressivelibrariansguild.org/content/wifiresolution.shtml

UK: The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) with 160,000 members has called for a government investigation into the biological and thermal effects of “wi-fi” networks. http://news.scotsman.com/education/39Wifi-in-schools-may-give.5156371.jp

France: Paris City Council launched a study on wi-fi June 2008 (in french) http://www.lemonde.fr/technologies/article/2008/06/16/wi-fi-le-conseil-de-paris-lance-une-etude-sur-les-risques-sanitaires_1058950_651865.html#ens_id=1053227

Penang Malaysia to study health effects of Wi-Fi. October 2008http://freepage.twoday.net/stories/5250937/

England: Health Protection Agency launches study on health effects of wi-fi Oct 2007: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/oct/13/internet.internetphonesbroadband

Austria medical association pressing for a ban on wi-fi in schools http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1549944/Warning-on-wi-fi-health-risk-to-children.htm

Herouville St Claire Normandy removes Wi-Fi from schoolshttp://freepage.twoday.net/stories/5670096/

USA: Sebastopol CA. City Council chooses the precautionary principle and terminates contract for free city wide Wi-Fi: http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080324/NEWS/803240314/1033/NEWS

Canada: July 2008 City Council of Thorold rescinds city wide wi-fi contract: http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1097589

European Parliament Sept 2008 voted 522 to 16 to adopt text: “is greatly concerned at the Bio-Initiative international report concerning EMFs, which summarises over 1500 studies on that topic and which points in its conclusions to the health risks posed by emissions from mobile-telephony devices such as mobile telephones, UMTS, WiFi, WiMax and Bluetooth, and also DECT landline ” “”The limits on exposure to electromagnetic fields [EMFs] which have been set for the general public are obsolete.” http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/122208.php

England: Teachers union call to suspend WiFi in schools: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1039235/Suspend-wi-fi-schools-says-union-chief-following-reports-causes-ill-health.html

Ireland: Jan 2008 The City of Dublin Ireland did not install wi-fi due to a EU law: http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0109/wifi.html

Wi-fi code for Welch Schools http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/child-safety-fears-prompt-wifi-code-for-welsh-schools-403255.html

Bavarian federal state parliament advised schools against Wi-fi. (current link unavailable) Frankfurt, Germany: Bans Wi-Fi in public schools (in German) http://www.icems.eu/docs/deutscher_bundestag.pdf

Hospital Techies urge limits on ‘white space’ Wi-Fi.http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9930441-7.html

Spain: Ecologists in Action statement on WiFi: http://www.ecologistasenaccion.org/spip.php?article11598

http://www.es-uk.info/news/20080319_belmonte_en.pdf

Dr. Magda Havas open letter to schools and teachers on Wi-Fi health risks: http://www.magdahavas.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/09_Havas_WiFi_schools.pdf

Austrian health director Dr. Gerd Oberfeld advising against wi-fi  http://www.antennafreeunion.org/salzburg.pdf

Sweden Prof. Olle Johansson scientisit wi-fi letter: http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/pdfs/20070723_wifi_olle.pdf

Dr. George Carlo wi-fi videohttp://www.mcs-international.org/red_alert_1_wifi_schoolchildren.html

Green party MEP/ concern with wi-fi in schools: http://www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk/2007/10/12/green-meps-demand-investigation-into-wifi-in-schools-after-study-links-electro-magnetic-fields-and-cancers/

(USA) Dr. Mercola wireless warning: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/06/21/are-you-allergic-to-wireless-internet.aspx?source=nl

(Canada) Dr. Magda Havas Report opposing Wi-Fi in San Francisco:  http://www.magdahavas.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/07_Havas_WiFi-SNAFU.pdf

The Gathering Brainstorm: http://www.mast-victims.org/resources/docs/ecologist_wi-fi_article.pdf

Dr. Jeff Fawcett: WiFi Blues: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-WiFi-Blues&id=169261

Wi-Fi in Schools UK resource  http://www.wifiinschools.org.uk/resources/wireless+technologies+and+young+people+Jan2011.pdf

“Wireless Networks (Wi-Fi) Consumer Health and Safety Advice” EMFacts handout  http://www.emfacts.com/wifi/

Dr. Andrew Goldsworthy on wi-fi in schools: http://www.emfacts.com/2011/11/dr-andrew-goldsworthy-on-wi-fi-in-schools/

Other EMF and RF Actions and Concerns

Bioinitiative Report:  http://www.bioinitiative.org

Bioinitiative Report video with co-author Cindy Sage http://www.youtube.com/v/7tZDor-_co0

Lichtenstein adopts Bioinitiative RF safety standard .6 volts per meter: http://www.next-up.org/pdf/Liechtenstein_confirms_its_intention_to_adopt_BioInitiative_standard_06Vm_09_06_2009.pdf

Brussels determines new EMR safety standard of 3 volts per meterhttp://www.next-up.org/Newsoftheworld/Belgique.php#2

2009: The European Parliament passed the EMF Resolution calling for caution on the use and expansion of electromagnetic fields, particularly radiofrequency exposure from wireless technologies. The resolution was endorsed by an overwhelming margin of 559 members in favor, 22 opposed, and 8 abstaining. The EP calls on member states to follow the example of Sweden to recognize ES as a disability and grant adequate protection as well as equal opportunities. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P6-TA-2009-0216+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN

French Health and Security Agency (Afsset) recommend reducing exposure to mobile phones and other portable wireless devices. OCT 2009 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/limit-exposure-to-mobile-phones-french-health-authority-1803449.html

2009:Breast Cancer Fund: Policy and Research Recommendations: Reduce Exposure to Radiation state-of-the-evidence-2008

(USA) NIEHS and NIOSH classified EMF’s as a hazardous substance, alongside dioxins and lead.  NIEHS advocates prudent avoidance of EMF’s. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/atoz/index.cfm

Prudent avoidance has been adopted in Australia, Sweden, and several U.S. states, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin. http://www.who.int/peh-emf/meetings/southkorea/en/Leeka_Kheifets_principle_.pdf

Collaborative on Health and the Environment CHE EMF statement http://www.healthandenvironment.org/wg_emf_news/772

California EMF program 7 million dollar gov’t mandated study. up to 95% certainty leukemia caused by EMF’s. Up to 80% certainty brain cancer related to EMF’s. Advocate prudent avoidance of EMF’s. http://www.ehib.org/topic.jsp?topic_key=7

2009 Counties of LA (CA), Pima (AZ) City of Portland Oregon, Cities of Sebastopol, Albany and Glendale CA pass resolutions requesting the federal government repeal section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.and/or requesting the FCC to update RF studies http://www.cloutnow.org/localres/

Chinese breakthrough study how EMFs promote childhood leukemia.  http://www.microwavenews.com/XRCC1.html

European Union adopts ALDE report adivsing the precautionary principle for EMF’shttp://www.alde.eu/index.php?id=42&L=2&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=9559&cHash=2fec11e0cc

USA, NJ. Sussex County school to close due to unsafe power lines near playground: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/sussex_county_school_to_close.html

(NZ) Dr. Neil Cherry: http://www.neilcherry.com/

(USA) Dr. Louis Slesin: http://www.microwavenews.com

(Canada) Dr. Magda Havas:www.magdahavas.com www.magdahavas.org

Dr. Martin Blank video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6wLFeIrCtU

Electrical Sensitivity

Germany 2002: Freiberger Appeal signed by 30,000 doctors http://freiburger-appell-2012.info/en/home.php?lang=EN

2005 Ireland IDEA Irish doctors concern over EMR health effects http://www.ideaireland.org/emririshresearch.htm

Switzerland: Dr. Rau Paracelsus Health Clinic : treats 10,000 people annually. They assess health in light of EMF exposure. Although health issues are multi factorial, his assessment is EMFs are a hidden factor in many illnesses: http://www.paracelsus.ch/welcome

US Access Board: Report on Indoor Environmental Quality Released http://access-board.gov/news/ieq.htm

Dr. Christine Aschermann: Observations from a Psychotherapy Practice on Mobile Telecommunications and DECT Telephones: http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Aschermann2009.pdf

Nordic Council of Ministers: The Nordic Adaptation of Classification of Occupationally Related Disorders (Diseases and Symptoms) to ICD-10 ed. by F Levy and A Wannag. 2000. Lists Electromagnetic intolerance as an occupational disorder. http://www.nordclass.uu.se/verksam/NordICD10.pdf

France Eco village white zone for EHS recovery http://www.zoneblanche.fr/index-eng.html

2008: Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_sensitivity

Sweden: FEB Electrosensitivity: http://www.feb.se/index_int.htm

The City of Colwood, BC Canada has declared August 2009 Electromagnetic Sensitivity Awareness month:http://colwood.fileprosite.com/FileStorage/0F1380D9502E4153B38C355BAB43124F-Mayors%20Press%20Release%20-%20EMS%20Sensitivity%20Month.pdf

Netherlands Electrohypersensitivity Questionaire Survey Results: http://www.stichtingehs.nl/images/stories/EHS/supplement_8.pdf

Dutch EHS Foundation: http://www.stichtingehs.nl/content/view/64/1/

Canada: Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution News: http://www.weepinitiative.org/index.html

China internet addiction youth  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4327258.stm

South Korea govt study  internet addiction/ Millions of youth at risk. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/technology/18rehab.html

Spain: children treated for cell phone addiction: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7452463.stm

Canadian Human Rights commission: policy on environmental sensitivitieshttp://www.environmentalhealth.ca/summer07humanrights.html

Guideline of the Austrian Medical Association for the diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses There has been a sharp rise in unspecific, often stress associated health problems that increasingly present physicians with the challenge of complex differential diagnosis. A cause that has been accorded little attention so far is increasing electrosmog exposure at home, at work and during leisure activities, occurring in addition to chronic stress in personal and working life. It correlates with an overall situation of chronic stress that can lead to burnout. How can physicians respond to this development?

Cell Towers/ Antennas

CHILE 4 December 2009 The Appeal Court in Rancagua confirms the demolition of a mobile phone mast in Santa Cruz, Chile. http://www.nextup.org/pdf/Emol_Appeal_Court_Chile_confirms_demolition_mobile_phone_mast_in_Santa_Cruz_04_12_2009.pdf

Cell-Phone Towers and Communities: The Struggle for Local Control B. Blake Levitthttp://arts.envirolink.org/arts_and_activism/BlakeLevitt.html

2009 Botswana Africa: A controversial cell phone tower erected on the royal Phuthadikobo Hill has been destroyed by the villagers.http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=189&dir=2009/October/Monday12

Botswana Africa: Bakgatla, BTA, radiation and public safety http://sundaystandard.info/news/news_item.php?NewsID=5984&GroupID=5

UK EM Radiation Research Trustee Eileen O’Connor Report on base stations: http://www.radiationresearch.org/pdfs/20061101_base_stations_health_concerns.pdf

2009 USA CA. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a local government’s authority to deny antennas in public rights-of-way for aesthetic reasons. The case is Sprint PCS Assets, L.L.C. v. City of Palos Verdes Estateshttp://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2009/10/13/05-56106.pdf http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ugly-telecoms26-2009oct26,0,5439620.story

2009 Hunnington Beach California: City leaders vote to move controversial cell phone tower http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-phone-cell-2378582-tower-mobile

International Association of Firefighters moratorium of cell tower siting on Fire stations http://www.iaff.org/hs/Facts/CellTowerFinal.asp

The American Bird Conservancy, Forest Conservation Council and Friends of the Earth brought a lawsuit against the FCC and the Federal Court Ordered Cell Tower Safeguards for Migrating Birds http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/080219.html

Israel bans antenaes on residences: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/916666.html

Portugal opposes Cell tower http://www.portugalresident.com/portugalresident/showstory.asp?ID=28969

Taiwan removes 1500 cell towers near schools: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2007/11/06/129715/1500-cellphone.htm

Ukiah CA. rejects cell tower: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080222/NEWS/802220314/1033/NEWS01

USA: Two radio towers in Washington State toppled  http://www.rickross.com/reference/animal/animal116.html

Panama: Companies in need of antennas must share structures to hold them:http://www.laestrella.com.pa/online/impreso/2008/11/01/cell-phone-antenna-installations-to-be-controlled.asp

Oregon, USA city school board unplugs cell towers:http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/09/west_linnwilsonville_school_bo.html

New Zealand citizens video appeal to Government (opposing cell towers) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw6av2W60KA

Los Angeles unified school district policy restricts cell sites on LA USD property and requires new schools to avoid siting near cell sites http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/board/secretary/html/agendas/mt/mt06-27-00.html

2009 Los Angeles Unified School District adopted a resolution that includes a statement in favor of repealing the Telecommunication Act of 1996’s preemption of consideration of health and environmental effects of wireless facilities. http://cloutnow.org/lausd/

USA: CA: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a 3-Judgepanel’s earlier decision and ruled that a wireless siting ordinance enacted by San Diego County is not preempted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Environment

2002 letter from the EPA (Environment Protection Agency)  stating the FCC’s standards are “thermally based, and do not apply to chronic, non-thermal exposure situations”: http://www.emrpolicy.org/litigation/case_law/docs/noi_epa_response.pdf

Overloading of Towns and Cities with Radio Transmitters (Cellular Transmitter): a hazard for the human health and a disturbance of eco-ethics by Karl Hecht, Elena N. Savoleyhttp://www.hese-project.org/hese-uk/en/niemr/hechtvortrag070724englisch.pdf

The Ecologist: Mobile Phones Could lead to bee decline: http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_round_up/269118/mobile_phones_could_lead_to_bee_decline.html

Bees, Birds and Mankind: Destroying Nature by Electrosmog by Dr. Ulrich Warnke: http://www.kompetenzinitiative.net/broschuerenreihe/brochure-series/english/bees-birds-and-mankind.html

Mt. Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center: Health effects from cell tower radiation: http://www.mountshastaecology.org/Archive/Health_Effects_from_Cell_Phone_Tower_Radiation.html

Organic Consumers Association:  http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_6388.cfm

Cell Phones

The Canadian Public Health Officer, David Butler-Jones, advised Canadians to limit their and their children’s use of cell phones until science resolves uncertainties about long term health effects. http://www.organicconsumers.org/Politics/cellphone071505.cfm

June 2008: France 20 top scientists warn about cell phones and brain cancer

July 2008 Study: Prenatal Cell Phone Exposure Tied to Children’s Behavior http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/07/29/us-prenatal-cell-phone-idUSTON97595120080729

England:2000, the UK Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones chaired by Sir William Stewart, reports that “a precautionary approach be adopted until more robust scientific information becomes available.” http://www.iegmp.org.uk/documents/iegmp_6.pdf

UK Health protection advises children under 16 to limit their use of mobile phone. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4196762.stm

Russian National Committee on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection advises against cell phones for 18 years and under http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/mobile-and-children-RNC.pdf

India: limit cell phone use for youth under 16  http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14695318

Israel: Health Ministry calls for parents to limits kids cell phone use:http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1006175.html

India: ban on children and pregnant women in TV ads for cell phoneshttp://www.bi-me.com/main.php?id=21423&t=1&c=33&cg=4&mset=

2004, the European Union’s EMF REFLEX Research Project is released, showing that mobile phone radiation (radiofrequency radiation) damages DNA in human cells. omega.twoday.net/stories/436261

Madhya Pradesh, India: Bans cell phones in schools: http://www.indiaenews.com/education/20080718/132841.htm

Australia: Cell phone warning http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/video#

French Ministry of Health cell phone warning  http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/01/02/us-france-mobiles-idUSL0223157720080102

Canada, Toronto Public Health is advising children and teens to limit the time they spend on cellphones until more is known about potential health effects. Toronto Star, Ontario. http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2008/07/12/dial_back_cellphone_use_city_officials_tell_parents.html

USA: July 2008 University of Pittsburg’s Cancer Intistute Dr. Ron Herberman’s memo to staff / Cell phone warning:http://www.post-gazette.com/downloads/20080722upci_cellphone_memo.pdf

USA September 2008 Rep. Dennis Kucinich holds Congressional Hearing on Cell Phone Health Effects http://edition.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/09/25/cellphones.cancer/index.html?iref=24hours

September 2008 Economist commentary on the Interphone Study ” Mobile Madness”: http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12295222

The Belgian Foundation against Cancer (www.cancer.be) issued a warning
concerning mobile phone use “Calling in the car increases risk of cancer” http://www.expatica.com/be/news/local_news/Calling-in-the-car-increases-risk-of-cancer.html

Finland: The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) has recommended restricting the use of mobile phones by children:http://yle.fi/uutiset/news/2009/01/authority_recommends_restricting_childrens_use_of_mobiles_466353.html

2009 National Safety Council calls for a nationwide ban on cell phones while driving: http://www.nsc.org/Pages/NationalSafetyCouncilCallsforNationwideBanonCellPhoneUseWhileDriving.aspx

World Health Organization Interphone study Results Update WHO INTERPHONE results update Oct. 2008

Lyon France advertising campaign against cell phones for kids under 12

USA Boston: Cell phone Ban After Boston Trolley Crashhttp://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/us/10boston.html

Mobile phones to be banned in French primary schools to limit health risk http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/mobile-phones-banned-in-french-schools-over-radiation-fears-26539161.html

How Susceptible are Genes to Mobile Phone Radiation? by Prof. Franz Adlkofer, Prof. Igor Y. Belyaev, Vladislav M. Shiroff, and Dr. Karl Richter http://www.icems.eu/docs/howsusceptiblearegenes.pdf

Mobile phone use ‘raises children’s risk of brain cancer five fold’: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/mobile-phone-use-raises-childrens-risk-of-brain-cancer-fivefold-937005.html

Dr. Vini Kharuna Brain Surgeon: “Mobile Phones and Brain Tumours- A Public Health Concern”http://www.brain-surgery.us/mobph.pdf

“Cell Phones and Brain Tumors”15 reasons for concern http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/science/reasons_us.pdf

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) who works to protect children and kids from toxic chemicals in our food, water, air, and the products we use every day, released a 40 page report titled:  “Cell Phone Radiation-Science Review on Cancer Risks and Children’s Health”  http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cellphones/2009-cellphoneradiation-fullreport.pdf

The FCC advice to consumers about the use of cell phones. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/mobilephone.html

U.S. bans truckers, bus drivers from texting while driving:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/26/AR2010012603238.html?sub=AR

Time magazine: How Safe is Your Cell Phone? http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1969732,00.html

Warning, Your Cell Phone May Be Hazardous To Your Health: GQ Magazine http://www.gq.com/cars-gear/gear-and-gadgets/201002/warning-cell-phone-radiation?currentPage=1

Updated 6/30/2013 by Sandi Maurer  EMF Safety Network PO Box 1016 Sebastopol CA 95473  www.emfsafetynetwork.org

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